Doris Kunkel, 91, of Temple, Texas died Tuesday, December 7, 2010, at Summer Place in Beaumont.  A native of Pendleton, Texas, she lived most of her life in Temple having moved to Beaumont in May of this year to be near her daughter, Pat. 

Doris was a hard working, courageous woman.  At 29 years old she was left a widow with a small daughter to raise after her first husband died as a result of World War II injuries.  She went to work for the Santa Fe Railroad about 1952 and worked for them until she retired.  It was there that she met the love of her life, Gilbert Kunkel.  They were married for thirty-one years before Gil passed away in April of this year. 

One of her greatest joys was her grandson John Buehrle.  From the time he was born she was devoted to him and he spent many summer weeks with her, and later with her and her late husband Gil, traveling, fishing and laughing.  The expanded family acquired when she married Gil (his children, Sue, Karl and Ken) was another real joy in her life and the source of two more beautiful grandchildren. 

Doris and Gil enjoyed traveling and all their trips included attending Gospel and bluegrass music festivals whenever (and wherever) possible. 

She lived here in Beaumont at Summer Place Nursing and Rehab Facility following Gil's death in April. 

Survivors include her daughters, Pat Buehrle of Beaumont and Sue McCoslin of San Antonio; sons, Karl Kunkel and his wife Kathy of Seattle, Washington and Ken Kunkel and his wife Linda of Temple; four grandchildren, John Buehrle, Michael McCoslin, Gabriel Kunkel, and Kasey Pond; four great-grandchildren, Ashley Westbrook, Kimberly Buehrle, Taylor Buehrle, and Colton Pond; and two great-great-grandchildren, Alec Westbrook and Cache Buehrle.

The funeral for Doris Kunkel will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 10, 2010, at Heights Baptist Church in Temple with burial to follow in Hillcrest Cemetery under the direction of Scanio-Harper Funeral Home, 3110 Airport Road in Temple, Texas.  A gathering of her family and friends will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home.

A memorial service for Mrs. Kunkel will be 2 p.m. Sunday, December 12, 2010, at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 1350 N. 23rd in Beaumont, with a gathering and reception to follow with her family in the church parlor.  Local arrangements were handled by Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin in Beaumont. 

The Lord took her quietly as she slept on Monday night and she has claimed His promise.

'He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. 5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” '

Revelation 21:4-5

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Good Samaritan Fund, 1350 N. 23rd Street, Beaumont, Texas 77706.